By Daily Sports Nigeria on November 28, 2024
Victor Osimhen’s lethal form in front of goal has been a defining factor for Galatasaray in the UEFA Europa League this season. After delivering a match-winning brace against Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling 3-2 encounter on Matchday 4, the Nigerian forward will aim to extend his scoring streak as the Lions face AZ Alkmaar at the AFAS Stadion on Thursday (today)
Osimhen’s impact has been undeniable, with four goals contributed in three Europa League appearances this term, each one instrumental in securing points for Okan Buruk’s side.
His brace against Spurs not only highlighted his clinical finishing but also reaffirmed his position as one of Europe’s most in-form strikers.
Galatasaray enter Thursday’s clash in scintillating form, unbeaten in their last 14 matches across all competitions, with 12 wins and two draws. Their Europa League campaign has been just as impressive, collecting 10 points from four matches, including a 3-1 victory over PAOK, a dramatic 4-3 win against Elfsborg, and the statement win over Spurs.
Currently leading the Turkish Super Lig by five points, Galatasaray’s domestic dominance has been fuelled by Osimhen’s contributions, including six goals in seven league matches. Despite their stellar run, their away form in Europe raises questions, with a 2-2 draw against RFS and a loss to Young Boys in Champions League qualification earlier this season.
AZ Alkmaar, unbeaten in European home matches this season, pose a formidable challenge. The Dutch side secured a 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce on Matchday 4, extending their unbeaten streak against Turkish teams to seven matches (four wins, three draws). Maarten Martens’ team have also been prolific at home, scoring at least two goals in six of their seven encounters with Turkish opposition.
However, AZ’s Europa League campaign has been inconsistent. After a strong start with a 3-2 win over Elfsborg, back-to-back losses to Athletic Club and Spurs derailed their momentum and Osimhen will look to capitalize on this hitch in form on Thursday (today).
Osimhen’s partnership with Galatasaray’s creative midfielders has been a key driver of the team’s success. The 25-year-old striker’s combination of pace, strength, and finishing ability makes him a constant threat, particularly against defences that struggle with physicality and movement.
The Nigerian forward’s brace against Spurs showcased his ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes games, a trait Galatasaray will heavily rely on against AZ.
Osimhen will look to add to his two-goal tally against a Dutch defence that has conceded five goals in their last three European matches.
A win for Galatasaray would cement their position as group leaders, while AZ will be desperate to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.
As the Europa League heats up, the AFAS Stadion will be the stage for an enthralling contest, with Osimhen poised to once again prove why he’s one of Europe’s most feared forwards.
Source Punch Ng
Posted November 28, 2024
You may also like...
Formula 1 Star Perez Tests Positive For Covid-19...
Chukwueze, Osimhen Nominated For CAF Awards
Six Nigerian coaches shortlisted for Arsenal, Worldremit coaching...
BREAKING: Giwa FC thrown out of Nigerian league...
Ranieri not surprised by wobbly Chelsea
Joshua: I’ll show Pulev I’m the bully inside...

NFF election process suspended, Ikpeme takes over as interim boss
Hockey excluded from 23rd National Sports Festival
Amusan makes Diamond League return in Zurich
AFN cautions athletes over risky scholarship deals
NPFL: Rangers pick Abeokuta as temporary home ground
Ex-Nigeria squash No.1 Olubo completes transcontinental adventure
FG Inaugurates Multi-purpose Sports Complex In Anambra
‘Osimhen can end Man United’s woes’
Soludo Backs Iloenyosi For NFF South-East Eeat, Says Region Deserves A Stronger Voice
Port Harcourt to host NPBL playoffs
Edo Queens get home support ahead CAF qualifiers
Nigerian Triathlon Union fixes Sept 30 for election
Rangers International going, going . . . (64,053 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,408 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (53,297 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,900 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,777 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,652 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,555 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (52,069 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (51,263 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,740 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (48,223 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,609 views)